At this time of the year it is usually howling offshore at my launching spot in the Philippines and most of the time I sail "against" the wind in rather choppy conditions. Consequently there is quite some water finding it's way in the hull through the front hatch...

So am curious - the sprayskirt surely gives a dryer ride in the AI / TI but does it also limit the amount of water going in the hull via the front hatch?

I would certainly believe so but any input of the guys using the sprayskirt is much appreciated.

An AI or TI Sprayskirt will cut down the volume of water reaching the front hatch area under most conditions, so it should also cut down the amount of water into the hull from a front hatch leak. It also limits submarine-ing (bow diving beneath the waves) by planing off the Sprayskirt at speed, and slows the boat if it does dive into a wave, instead of continuing to dive even deeper.

Be sure you don't have a cracked in your hull or some loose hardware letting water in, as you shouldn't be getting too much water in the hull per hour of of sailing. In rough conditions I might see 1 gallon (4 liters) per hour of sailing.

Best test for leaks I've found, is using air into the hull (I use a shop vacuum's exhaust in the drain hole) and soapy water all over looking for leaks.

Another way is to add about 1 gallon of water in the hull and slowly rotate the hull looking for drips. Maybe consider replacing one of the front hatch seals?

The front hatch itself is the hardest area to check for leaks, but keeping the boat floating high and dry(er) is worth it.

4 litres of water finding it's way through the front hatch per hour of sailing in rough conditions is pretty much what I get too.

Don't think I have a crack in the hull, after sailing I usually anker the boat at our beach in shallow and calm waters and I only have the issue with water in the hull when I sail in choppy offshore conditions when the hull is sometimes submerged so am pretty sure that most of the water comes in via the front hatch.

I have the 2011 TI model and heard Hobie is selling a new "version" of the front hatch seals which seem to seal the front hatch better... this new seal probably would solve the problem in rough conditions...